Bellin Run medical care goes to the next level

Race day first aid coordinator benefits from Boston Marathon experience
GREEN BAY — Getting the medical perspective from the granddaddy of all marathons – the Boston Marathon – is leading to some major enhancements at this year’s Bellin Run.
Roland Schmidt, a licensed athletic trainer with Bellin Health Sports Medicine and the Bellin Run Medical coordinator, flew to Boston in April to participate in the behind-the-scenes medical preparation and race day action of the Boston Marathon.  He was one of 1,300 medical volunteers assisting the more than 22,000 runners who participated in the 26.2 mile run though Boston, Mass.
“It was an incredible learning experience,” said Schmidt.  “I’ve been able to apply much of the information that I learned from DMSE Sports organizers and medical station volunteers in Boston to our own Bellin Run.”

Schmidt was invited to participate in the Boston Marathon by Dave McGillivray, Bellin Run operations director, president of DMSE Sports and race director of the Boston Marathon.

The staff from DMSE Sports gave Schmidt a tour of the medical stations at the Boston Marathon and introduced him to many of the key medical leaders of the event.  “In addition to answering my questions, they were able to provide some insight on how to fit these technologies and techniques into the 10K Bellin Run.  We will implement many of them this year.”

Some of the medical enhancements to this year’s Bellin Run on Saturday, June 14, 2008 include:
•    A larger medical station at the finish line that has doubled in size and staffing
•    Extra staff and volunteers to bike the course and offer assistance to distressed participants
•    Medically trained volunteers at each water station
•    An enhanced communication process that includes both radio and cell phone communication
•    Increased mobility of injured/distressed runners near the finish line with the use of wheelchairs
•    A mandatory meeting for all medical staff and volunteers the morning of the race to review weather updates and last minute details.

“From a medical standpoint, what we had last year worked great,” said Schmidt.  “But as more people choose to get involved in the Bellin Run experience, we’re being proactive and asking ‘How can we make it even better?’  Now that there’s a new start and finish layout, we’ve been able to work in some great features for runners, spectators and volunteers.”

With the medical station a mere 100 feet from both the finish line and Bellin hospital, participants can be easily and quickly transported to the emergency room if necessary. The increased space at the start and finish line in the parking lot along Cass Street will also allow for many athletes to self-recover.

Additional space allows medical volunteers to work with the finishers who might be feeling dizzy in a controlled setting where they can continue walking.  “Under the supervision of an experienced medical practitioner, walking is most often the best cure,” Schmidt said.  “However, if it’s not working or they need immediate medical attention, we have a full staff of medical personnel and an emergency department on hand.”

From minor cuts and scrapes to major traumas, Bellin Run officials have developed emergency plans to ensure the safety of all participants.  More than 100 physicians, nurses, athletic trainers and other medical volunteers will be staffing the event.

“We’re ready and we’re confident for another great Bellin Run,” said Randy Van Straten, Bellin Run race director.  “Working with Boston Marathon experts like Dave McGillivray has allowed us to make the 2008 Bellin Run better and safer than ever.”

The Bellin Run, a 10K (6.2 mile) run/walk in Green Bay, Wis., is the fourth-largest timed 10K race in the nation with 12,908 participants. Established in 1977, the Bellin Run features elite runners, a children’s run, corporate challenge, running expo, all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner and a number of other events and activities for runners and their families.

This year’s 32nd annual Bellin Run is June 14, 2008.  For more information, or to register, go to: www.bellinrun.com.